Press Releases

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (Association) applauds the introduction of the Wildlife Health Coordination and Zoonotic Disease Prevention Act of 2026 (S.4451) by Senator Baldwin (D-WI), which would strengthen the nation’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to wildlife diseases with significant risks to public health, agriculture, and natural resources.

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (Association) applauds the distribution of over $57 million for state fish and wildlife agencies to restore, manage, and conserve important habitats for species of greatest conservation need through the implementation of State Wildlife Action Plans. This week, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced the disbursement of funds through the State Wildlife Grants (SWG) Program to support state efforts to conserve at-risk species and their habitats across the nation.

The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (Association) applauds Oregon’s enactment of HB 4134, that provides dedicated funding for at-risk species and wildlife habitat. Under this Act the state will use a share of its transient lodging tax to generate ~$37 million yearly to drive much-needed funds into Oregon’s State Wildlife Action Plan, which serves as the state’s blueprint for conserving and recovering 321 species of greatest conservation need.

The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies proudly shares the news that Jen Dennison, Education and Outreach Manager at Ohio Department of Natural Resources- Division of Wildlife, is recognized as this year’s Project WILD Lifetime Achievement Award winner. Dennison was presented with this award during the 91st North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference in Columbus, Ohio.

The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) welcomes Corey Scott as the new Government Affairs Director, effective April 6. Mr. Scott will oversee and direct the legislative work of the Association before the U.S. Congress and the public policy work of the Association before the federal Executive Branch agencies. Mr. Scott replaces Kurt Thiede who has spent the past five years as the Director of Government Affairs with the Association and recently accepted the position of Chief Operating Officer at the Association.

The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (Association) proudly shares the news that the Association’s own Ryan Roberts, Senior Program Manager for the National Fish Habitat Partnership, was recognized as the 2025 Conservation Partner of the Year by Bass Pro Shops. Roberts was presented the award by Bass Pro Shops founder and noted conservationist, Johnny Morris, at Bass Pro Shops’ annual Christmas luncheon in Springfield, MO. More than 1,000 guests and Outfitters were present at the event in December.

The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (Association) is pleased to announce that Dave Kostersky has accepted the contractual position of Principal Canadian Liaison, effective March 2, 2026.

The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (Association) applauds the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announcement releasing $1.2 billion in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration apportionments to support states, commonwealths and territories in their efforts to fund conservation and outdoor opportunities. This funding supports critical state fish and wildlife conservation and recreation projects throughout the nation and comes from excise taxes paid by the hunting, shooting, boating and angling industries on firearms, bows and ammunition, and sportfishing tackle, some boat engines and small engine fuel.

The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (Association) proudly shares the news that Ron Regan, Executive Director of the Association, was recognized as the National Wild Turkey Federation’s (NWTF) 2026 C.B. McLeod Award recipient for his dedication to wild turkey conservation. Regan was honored at the NWTF’s 50th Annual Convention and Sport Show.

The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (Association) applauds the U.S. Department of the Interior for issuing Secretarial Order 3447, Expanding Hunting and Fishing Access, Removing Unnecessary Barriers, and Ensuring Consistency Across the Department of the Interior Lands and Waters. The order directs coordination with state fish and wildlife agencies and reinforces a science-based approach to wildlife management, including decisions related to the use of ammunition and fishing tackle on federal lands.